Geometry in Nature

Math and science come together in this cross-curricular astronomy lesson plan on planetary motion. Starting off with a hands-on activity that engages the class in exploring the geometry of circles and ellipses, this lesson plan then...

It's time to boldly go where your class has not gone before! The introductory lesson in a five-part series takes young oceanographers aboard the NOAA Ship Okeanos to begin a study of ocean exploration. The lesson includes a comparison of...

Students define geometry terms. They use geometry to explore the relationship of objects in and around the school. Pupils find examples of specific geometry terms in the classroom, as well as in other parts of the school. Students...

Think it's possible to make a wheel out of triangles? According to this geometry project it is. Using their knowledge of the Pythagorean Theorem, young mathematicians carefully calculate and draw a series of right triangles that form...

Symmetry is a natural thing. The video introduces the concept of reflection symmetry using a smiley face and a pentagon. Using pictures from nature, the installment of an extensive geometry playlist determines whether the object has...

Upper graders identify symmetry in nature. In this geometry activity, pupils define the word "symmetry" and demonstrate it by folding paper. They use a worksheet embedded in the plan to find symmetry in nature.

Do predators look for different things in different seasons? The quick interactive shows how some species survive longer in one season than another based on the conditions. The challenge questions encourage pupils to demonstrate that...

Can natural disasters alter natural selection? The interactive explores this concept with mice living through a forest fire. As the environment changes, the camouflage also changes. How does this one disaster impact future generations?

Can human activity influence the colors of moths? The simulation explains how pollution changed the color of tree bark, which led to the survival of a different variation of moths. It also discusses the shift back as air quality improves.

Scholars view the video, "Donald Duck in Mathmagic Land," and discuss examples in nature which have proportions of the golden ratio. They measure and record different body lengths from a worksheet and convert the ratios to equivalent...